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John The Conqueror‘s self-titled debut album is an amalgamation of the many sounds and styles (old and new) mined from both the North and South. Cousins Pierre Moore (vocals & guitar) and Michael Gardner (drums) are natives of Jackson, MS, while bassist Ryan Lynn hails from Philly – where the trio now call home. Together they mix a bedrock of raw deep blues with funk, soul, punk and scuzzed-up rock-n-roll into one helluva potent musical Molotov cocktail.

Perhaps what makes John The Conqueror so refreshing, however, is their honest, simple, yet extremely passionate approach to their music. Gardner and Moore (the latter who learned to play guitar in his early teens from a homeless man who slept in the back room of an auto repair shop) have been playing together in bands since their college days in Oxford, MS, although Gardner recently switched from bass to drums to make room for Lynn in the line-up in early 2011.

The ten expressive, unrestrained tracks featured on this effort are delivered with a youthful, reckless abandon as channeled through some truly old souls. And, not unlike the mythological African-American folk hero they’re named after, that should be enough to resonate with just about any generation.

John The Conqueror was produced by Pierre Moore and recorded in Philadelphia at Retrocity Studios & Jesse Gimbel’s Basement.

John The Conqueror will be released October 16th through Alive Naturalsound Records in the following formats: CD, Digital and Black Vinyl, as well as Limited Edition Colored Vinyl exclusive to mailorders.

REVIEWS

Sounds like the work of a supergroup power trio made up of three vets who just wanted to get together and lay it down, making gutsy, raw, bluesy music for the sheer joy of it. The fact that this is the first time in a studio for the members of this band is mind-blowing. – Brian Robbins / JAMBANDS

“This self-titled debut album from Philadelphia trio John the Conqueror is a solid output of blues and rock n’ roll. The vocals and guitar playing of Pierre Moore are impressive in their own right, but along with bassist Ryan Lynn and drummer Michael Gardner, the band’s sound really grooves together nicely. It’s not really fair to compare these guys with veteran groups like the Black Keys or the White Stripes, but John the Conqueror prove on their first album that they have noteworthy chops.” –Jory Carroll / SLUG MAGAZINE

“Heavily influenced by blues musicians that Moore and Gardner grew up with in Jackson, MS, John The Conqueror provide a raw, honest edge that truly sets them apart from other bands. It doesn’t matter if they’re jamming hard or slowing things down, there’s so much soul you simply feel throughout the album. I’d say for a debut, this is pretty damn impressive.” - 215 MAGAZINE

“Power trio John the Conqueror has made a splash in Philly scene over the past year, dishing out a moving blend of blues, soul and rock n’ roll... The swaggery trio might be Philly’s answer to Gary Clark Jr.” - WXPN’s THE KEY

“The trio from Mississippi, now based in Philly, have the smoothness of classic '50s soul mixed with a southern twang. Named after an African-American mythological folk legend, of whom the likes of Dr. John, Muddy Waters, and Willie Dixon have sung, the band possesses a magical power that empowers emotion.” – KNUCKLE RUMBLER

“They will bring you from the church to the juke joint in four quick minutes.” – MADD CHICAGO

“Pretty damn badass.” - ALAN CROSS – A JOURNAL OF MUSICAL THINGS

“John the Conqueror’s trademark sound is based around laid back, loose funky blues riffs, laconic drumming, and succinct song writing that takes less than a minute to fall in love with.” - SKRBBLR

“John The Conqueror are an amazing young band on the verge of greatness.. Born in the Delta of Mississippi, and currently based in Philadelphia, the trio blends a totally unique mix of blues and rock, with equal amounts of Robert Johnson and Queens of the Stone Age.” - BLOG TALK RADIO

“John The Conqueror has released a solid debut that’s steeped in Mississippi Delta, juke joints and a penchant for vintage soul.” – J Felton / RECORD DEPT.

“Like a grainy, saturated film image of Otis Redding, John The Conqueror ooze a classic soul vibe.” – JESTER JAY MUSIC

“Is there a category of music called Hard-Arse Soul? J the C has nailed it. The 10 tracks here bristle with surly attitude that I’m told living in the City of Brotherly Love can bring on. Pierre Moore’s smoothly assured vocal echoes with a tinge of menace. Bass-man Ryan Lynn is the local guy who lays down a fine and fluid rumble, while Pierre’s cuzz Michael Gardner delivers the requisite backbeat laden with wrecking ball swing.” – I94 BAR

“If you remember what you’ve always liked about rock music that hews close to the blues and soul traditions, you will be well-disposed to enjoy what John The Conqueror is doing. There’s also a punk influence, best heard on stuff like the fast guitar intro to ‘Say What You Want.’ which is a 2:25 rant that keeps a high energy level throughout.” – WHEN YOU MOTOR AWAY